Authentic Chicken Ouzi: The Ultimate Middle Eastern Spiced Rice Feast
By The Editors | Updated: December 25, 2025
If there is one dish that screams “celebration” in the Levant—specifically in Jordan and Palestine—it is Authentic Chicken Ouzi. Walk into any wedding, large family gathering, or Ramadan feast, and you will likely see huge, silver platters heaped with aromatic spiced rice, roasted chicken, and a confetti of toasted nuts.
For the uninitiated, Ouzi might look like just another chicken and rice dish. But take one bite, and you will understand the difference. The magic lies in the “Double-Flavor” technique. Unlike simple pilafs, Authentic Chicken Ouzi involves cooking the rice in a rich, homemade chicken broth, but with a twist: the rice is cooked with a mixture of spiced ground beef (minced meat). Yes, meat mixed with rice, topped with more meat (the chicken). It is a carnivorous delight.
Many Western readers ask me, “Is it difficult?” The answer is no, but it does require multiple steps. However, the result is a dish that looks like you hired a caterer. The aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, and allspice filling your kitchen is simply the bonus.
Why You Will Love This Authentic Chicken Ouzi
This recipe is the “Platter Style” Ouzi (sometimes called Ouzi Rice), which differs from the “Ouzi Surar” (pastry bundles). This version is easier to make for a crowd and presents beautifully.
- The Flavor Depth: We don’t use water. We boil the chicken with aromatics to create a “Liquid Gold” broth, which is then absorbed by the Basmati rice.
- Texture Contrast: You have fluffy rice, tender ground beef, succulent roasted chicken, and the essential crunch of fried almonds and pine nuts.
- Crowd Pleaser: This recipe is designed to feed a hungry family or a dinner party of 8 people easily.
Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Ouzi
This list might look long, but it is divided into simple stages. Here is what you need:
The Chicken & Broth Base
- Chicken: 4.5 lbs (2 kg) whole chicken, cut into quarters (skin on).
- Aromatics: 2 large onions (quartered), 3 garlic cloves, 3 hot green peppers (optional), fresh parsley bunch.
- Whole Spices: 2 Cinnamon sticks, 10 Cardamom pods, 4 Bay leaves, piece of fresh Ginger (chopped).
- Ground Spices: 1 tbsp Salt, 1 tsp Turmeric, 1 tbsp Mixed Spices (Baharat or Allspice), 1 tsp Saffron threads (optional).
The Roasting Glaze
- Yogurt: 1/2 cup plain yogurt.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp.
- Oil: A splash of vegetable oil.
The Rice & Hashweh (Meat Mix)
- Rice: 4 cups Basmati rice (washed and soaked for 30 mins).
- Ground Meat: 1.1 lbs (500g) Ground Beef or Lamb.
- Aromatics: 2 large onions (finely chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced).
- Rice Spices: 1 tsp Cardamom powder, 1 tbsp Mixed Spices (Baharat), 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, 2 tsp Salt.
- Liquid: 6 cups of the reserved Chicken Broth.
How to Make Authentic Chicken Ouzi
Instructions
Step 1: Create the Aromatic Broth
In a large deep pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the chicken quarters. As it boils, skim off any foam. Add the chopped onions, garlic, hot peppers, parsley, and tomatoes. Toss in all the spices (cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, mixed spices, saffron, and salt). Cover and cook on medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked (approx. 40 minutes). Important: Strain the broth and keep it hot. Remove the chicken pieces.
Step 2: Roast the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix the yogurt and tomato paste. Place the boiled chicken in a roasting pan and brush generously with this mixture. Roast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden red.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice Base (Hashweh)
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft. Add the ground beef (or lamb) and cook until browned and the liquid evaporates. Add the minced garlic, cardamom powder, mixed spices, black pepper, and salt. Stir for a minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot with the cooked ground meat. Stir gently to mix the grains with the meat without breaking them. Pour in 6 cups of the hot reserved chicken broth. Bring to a boil until “holes” appear on the surface of the rice. Cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-30 minutes until fluffy.
Step 5: The Grand Assembly
Fluff the rice with a fork. Pour it onto a large communal serving platter. Arrange the golden roasted chicken pieces on top. Generously scatter fried almonds, pine nuts, and raisins (optional) over everything.
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 780 kcal |
| Protein | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Fat | 32g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice?
For an Authentic Chicken Ouzi, Basmati rice is standard because of its fluffy texture. Brown rice can be used, but you will need to adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time significantly.
What defines the Ouzi flavor?
The combination of sweet spices (cinnamon, allspice, cardamom) with savory meat broth is the signature profile. It is not spicy (hot), but rather aromatic and warming.
Can I add vegetables to the rice?
Yes! A popular variation involves adding peas and diced carrots to the ground meat mixture (Step 3). This adds color and sweetness to the dish.
